Bobrov’s Bent-toed Gecko – Cyrtodactylus bobrovi – Nguyen, Le, Van Pham, Ngo, Hoang, The Pham & Ziegler, 2015

Science name: Cyrtodactylus bobrovi – Nguyen, Le, Van Pham, Ngo, Hoang, The Pham & Ziegler, 2015

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Reptilia>> Squamata >> Gekkonidae >> bobrovi

Species status: Endemic ; IUCN status: LC (Least Concern)

Description: 

Physical characteristics:
Cyrtodactylus bobrovi is a medium-sized gecko with a snout-vent length (SVL) of up to 96.4 mm. Its body is slender and elongated, with a distinct separation between the head and the body. The snout is long and rounded, and the eyes are large with vertical pupils.
The species has 10 upper and 10 lower labial scales, and the dorsal surface of the body is covered with granular scales and conical tubercles arranged in 12-14 irregular rows. The ventral scales are smooth and larger than the dorsal scales, arranged in 40-45 rows across the body. The species lacks femoral pores, and males have five precloacal pores arranged in a continuous row.
Coloration: The base coloration of the body is grayish-cream with dark brown markings. There are five or six dark bands on the back, bordered by light edges, and the head has brown blotches. The tail, which can regenerate, is grayish without clear banding, while the original tail has distinct dark brown bands.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at elevations ranging from 195 to 618 meters.
Area: This species is endemic to northwestern Vietnam, specifically recorded in Ngoc Son–Ngo Luong Nature Reserve in Hoa Binh Province. It inhabits karst forests near several villages within the reserve.
Habitat: Cyrtodactylus bobrovi is found in terrestrial habitats, including forests, rocky areas, caves, and subterranean habitats. It is commonly associated with limestone karst environments.

Behaviour and ecology: 

Lifestyle: This species is nocturnal and active at night, foraging on the limestone cliffs and karst outcrops where it resides. Its diet consists primarily of insects.
Reproduction: Cyrtodactylus bobrovi is oviparous, with females laying two eggs in limestone crevices at the beginning of the rainy season. The sex of the offspring is temperature-dependent, a common trait among many reptiles.

Conservation and status: 

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Least Concern (ver 3.1)
Justification: Although this species has a limited range, it occurs within protected areas where no significant threats have been identified. There is no evidence of population decline, and it is considered relatively common within its range.
Remarks:
Cyrtodactylus bobrovi was named in honor of Dr. Vladimir V. Bobrov for his significant contributions to lizard research in Vietnam. The species is distinguished from other members of the Cyrtodactylus genus by its lack of femoral pores, specific scale arrangements, and its distinctive dorsal coloration.